Carnival 2015 in Trinidad and Tobago was spectacular! 50,000 visitors travelled from all over the world to the Caribbean to partake in the annual celebration. Masquerade bands marched through the streets. Revelers dressed in extraordinary costumes of feathers and beads. Thousands danced to the beat of music pulsing through the island air.

With its pageantry, electric energy and fantastic costumes, Trinidad’s Carnival has been described as the greatest show on earth. Indeed, it is a showcase for some of the best musicians in the world—especially the top artists traditional Caribbean music: calypso, soca and steelband.

Calypso Music at Carnival 2015

Trinidad is the birthplace of calypso music, enjoyed throughout the Caribbean and around the world.

This year, Trinidad’s National Calypso Monarch title was awarded at Carnival. Roderick “Chucky” Gordon won for the second year in a row at the 2015 Dimanche Gras Show in Port of Spain, Trinidad. He performed “The Rose” and “I Believe” to take the title and one million dollars in prize money.

Chucky is one of only five people to have scored back-to-back wins of the title.

Trinidad Carnival Celebrates Soca Music

The up-tempo version of calypso music, soca, got the crowds on their feet in Trinidad!

Trinidadian soca artiste Machel Montano, whose song “Remedy” is practically addictive, won the title 2015 International Power Soca Monarch. Machel also won the seventh Road March title: his song “Like ah Boss” was played 390 times, according to the Trinbago Unified Calypsonians Organisation (TUCO).

“Groovy soca” originated in Trinidad and Tobago; the groovy soca competition has become a must-see event at Carnival. Amidst a very talented array of performers, Olatunji Yearwood was named the 2015 International Groovy Soca Monarch.

Steel Pan Music, Steel Drum Band at Carnival 2015

The history of steel pan music is rooted in 20th century Trinidad. After bamboo drums were outlawed by the British, young Trinidadians made a new type of drum from empty steel barrels. As one music historian explained,

“While death and destruction consumed Europe in the early forties, the lives of the underprivileged, unemployed young men in Trinidad were filled with hope and excitement. They realized that the constant pounding against the flat end of the drum left an indentation, and the sound changed as well. Word would soon spread about the discovery, and the possibility of making music with the drums. Further experiments would follow. To achieve further indentation, they would heat the drums in bonfires. What they discovered too was that by varying the size and depth on the indentation, it was possible to get more notes with different tones.”

The “Panorama” steel pan music competition is held in conjunction with Carnival. This year, Massy Trinidad All Stars won the large steel drum band category, scoring 289 points with their selection “Unquestionable.” Pan Elders scored 282 points to win the medium conventional band category. San Juan East Side Symphony took first place, with a score of 286, in Single Steel Pan Band Finals. Trinidad will host the International Panorama Competition, with steel drum band competitors and steel drum players / soloist from 38 countries, in August 2015.

There are many upcoming 2015 Carnival celebrations in the Caribbean and around the world. Here are just a few to fill your calendar:

]]>http://rythmtrail.com/carnival-2015/feed/0The Junkanoo Bandhttp://rythmtrail.com/the-junkanoo-band/ http://rythmtrail.com/the-junkanoo-band/#commentsMon, 23 Feb 2015 14:35:59 +0000http://rythmtrail.com/?p=2487Warning: call_user_func_array() expects parameter 1 to be a valid callback, first array member is not a valid class name or object in /home/rythmtrh/public_html/rythmtrail/wp-includes/plugin.php on line 213

The Junkanoo is a parade that goes down the streets and brings people from all over the world together. There are colorful costumes and huge floats surrounded by incredible dancers. It is a celebration that has been featured in different television shows and movies throughout the years and something taken very seriously by those who put on the celebration and the parades.

A Junkanoo Band plays and the energy of the whole street just changes. The sounds and sights of the enthusiastic dancers are unlike anything you’ve ever seen. The Bahamas Carnival has a parade that features the Bahamia Junkanoo dancers who incorporate music, instruments, and art into their movements. It is a highly male dominated group of dancers that perform, but women are becoming more of a fixture since the first women made it their mission to dance in the 50’s. Each time the Junkanoo Band performs they are dressed for the theme of the day or holiday they are performing on. The most popular days and colorful costumes are on Boxing Day and New Year’s Day. The Boxing Day celebration in the Bahamas is the biggest of all the Junkanoo band performances, but there are so many more that capture the spirit of the people and the holidays. The Junkanoo band plays all types of instruments while the dancers entertain. They play whistles, cowbells, horns, and drums among other instruments.

The history of the Junkanoo tradition is up for debate by some very passionate followers of the celebration. Some say it was started by John Canoe a West African Prince who became a local hero when he outwitted the English. That makes it a hero’s celebration which some people like, but that is only the first of the many stories of Junkaoo’s origin. Some other people say it comes from the French. The French phrase ‘gens inconnus’ means unknown or masked people. A third group says that the Loyalists in the 18th century let those people who were slaves have three days off at Christmas where they danced in colorful masks to celebrate. That’s the most popular explanation and the one that a lot of people like to relate Junkanoo with. It’s a celebration of freedom for everyone and you can’t help but be in a good mood when you think of it like that.

The street fair is great entertainment for people of all ages, and the colors make everyone happy. The celebration begins with a grand opening and the Junkanoo make a grand entrance leading the parade. After slavery was abolished the tradition of Junkanoo was almost gone. It was revived in the Bahamas and has become an amazing tradition. When the parade is going on you are seeing the result of thousands of hours of practice. The time spent preparing for the dancing and getting everything ready is worth it when they can entertain the masses.

The dancers make their own costumes and create lovely designs out of cardboard and crepe paper. The parade moves down the streets from two am to ten am. You will see people everywhere watches from the balconies the streets and where ever you can get to see the dancers. The celebration ends with a closing day to close the three days of pure joy and seal the memories so everyone can look forward to the next celebration. There are other celebrations where you can experience the carnival such as Eleuthera/Harbour Island, Birmin, The Exumas, and the Abacos. The Bahamas is the biggest one and the most exciting. So if you want to experience the fun of Junkanoo and the amazing dancing celebration one of these places is waiting for you.

If you want to keep the celebration going anytime then you can hire a Junkanoo Band for your event. They would make a perfect convention show opener or closer to really entertain a crowd. Maybe you

]]>http://rythmtrail.com/the-junkanoo-band/feed/0Panorama Steel Band Competition in Trinidadhttp://rythmtrail.com/panorama-carnival-highlights-steel-band-scene/ http://rythmtrail.com/panorama-carnival-highlights-steel-band-scene/#commentsTue, 30 Sep 2014 00:47:41 +0000http://rythmtrail.com/?p=2398Warning: call_user_func_array() expects parameter 1 to be a valid callback, first array member is not a valid class name or object in /home/rythmtrh/public_html/rythmtrail/wp-includes/plugin.php on line 213

While the Caribbean is known for the sea, sun and sand, it has become a bit famous for high level international cricket and the increasingly popular Panorama Steel Band competition during the time of Carnival. Panorama has been held annually since 1963, and has continued through this current year in Trinidad and Tobago.

Celebrations

The concept of ‘Carnival’ may even date back as far as Roman Times. It is the festive period before Lent, with celebrations taking place on many continents. Those countries with large Catholic populations are likely to have large celebrations with fancy dress, parades and street parties. It has been the Caribbean influence that has brought the idea to the UK, but back in Trinidad, the Steel Band competition is a highlight and has been since 1963.

Steel Bands

Few celebrate Carnival as long and hard as Trinidad and Tobago. The 2014 Steel Band preliminaries began at the end of January, and the Finals were not until early March; over a month later. This year hosted over 150 competitors in four categories; Single Pan, Small, Medium and Large Conventional. In addition there was an award for the top arrangers. The event began with the Singles, followed by similar preliminaries in the other 3 categories across the three regions of Trinidad and Tobago. By mid-February they were ready for the semi-finals and the Small and Single Pan competitions ran on Saturday 15th, while the Medium and Large were held the following day. The Small and Single Pan Finals were held two weeks’ later on the 27th at Skinner Park, San Fernando in the South of Trinidad. Following closely behind were the Medium and Large Band Finals on March 1 at the Queen’s Park Savannah, Port-of-Spain.

The Results

The winners in the Large Band category were Phase II with Len Sharpe arranging, a repeat of 2013. Sharpe seems to find favor time and again with the judges, getting regular top three placements. Pan Elders won the Medium Category, and was the first Band to have won in both the Small and Medium category. Like Narell, the winning arranger in the Medium Band category was Duvone Stewart, who has received recognition far outside the Caribbean. Stewart won the New York Panorama in 2013, and in fact has won each category in T & T except the Large Band. The Supernovas, with Amrit Samaroo, scored the highest through qualifying and semi-finals to take 1st place in the Small Band section. Like his father Jit before him, he loves the whole scene and was delighted with the win. The Single Pan Band Competition was a Tie between San Juan East Side Symphony, the defending champions with Duvone Stewart arranging, and Pan Jammers who had Nicholas Singh arranging.

Judges are Subjective

As with any competition which involves subjective judging, it was not without controversy. One prominent arranger, whose reputation goes far beyond T & T, once again failed to reach the Large Band Final. Andy Narell sees himself as an innovator, but failed to persuade judges of the merit of his Birdsong. His Band finished last of eight in the semi-final stage. He was disappointed, not to be able to play on the Final Day, but stated he takes great pleasure in the overall response he receives on a wider stage.

The Future

In Trinidad & Tobago, Carnival time is a time for the annual culmination of the Panorama Competition. 2014 was a great event and everyone is eagerly awaiting the 2015 event. There will also be an international competition where 38 countries are expected to compete for the Title of International Conference of Pan (ICP) Champions coming up in August in Trinidad and Tobago. Stay tuned!

]]>http://rythmtrail.com/panorama-carnival-highlights-steel-band-scene/feed/0Beach Wedding Ceremony Musichttp://rythmtrail.com/beach-wedding-ceremony-music/ http://rythmtrail.com/beach-wedding-ceremony-music/#commentsMon, 08 Sep 2014 21:42:40 +0000http://rythmtrail.com/?p=2167Warning: call_user_func_array() expects parameter 1 to be a valid callback, first array member is not a valid class name or object in /home/rythmtrh/public_html/rythmtrail/wp-includes/plugin.php on line 213

Are you planning a beach wedding? There is nothing better than a romantic beach wedding and beautiful music on the beach. A beach wedding is a perfect location for a wedding, but you can add to the memories by having beautiful music on the beach. A steel drum band is the excellent choice for a wedding music on the beach.

The steel drum band offers unique memories that will last you and your partner forever, and your guests will be overwhelmed with the steel drums. The RythmTrail Steel Drum Band offers live steel drum players that have over twenty years of experience. The band can dress to match the wedding party, and can play tunes such as:

• Bridal Chorus • Wedding Recessional March • Somewhere over the rainbow • Can’t Help Falling in Love • Cannon in D and so much more…

The RythmTrail Steel Drum Band can even do requests. If you and your partner has a special song that you would like played, then the band will play it. The RythmTrail Steel Drum Band can provide a variable band size. If you are wanting an elaborate steel drum band, then you can have four or more musicians, or for a small intimate wedding, then you can choose less members. The sound is amazing. The steel drum players can be there to play the “Wedding Recessional March”, then be the band for your Cocktail Hour and Reception.

How many beach ceremonies have you attended where there was actual live music? Most music on the beach for the beach ceremony is done with a laptop. The sound is not clear, and guests are not impressed, but you can choose to have live steel drum music that is catered to you and your partners liking in music.

The Rhythm Trail steel drum band is Florida’s most popular and sought out steel drum band, because of their experience and outstanding sound. Each member are professional entertainers. There is nothing better for a beach ceremony than the sounds of a Caribbean steel drum to set the mood. Imagine walking down the beach with the sound of the steel drum and the ocean waves hitting the shore together. This is a sound that can’t be created or played on any laptop. It’s a sound that has to be experienced live.

Make your wedding and the beach ceremony something that will stay with you forever, and you can do that by having steel drum music by the RythmTrail Steel Drum Band. Contact us at www.rythmtrail.com We travel anywhere in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina and Alabama.

]]>http://rythmtrail.com/beach-wedding-ceremony-music/feed/0Have the Florida Wedding of your Dreamshttp://rythmtrail.com/have-the-florida-wedding-of-your-dreams/ http://rythmtrail.com/have-the-florida-wedding-of-your-dreams/#commentsWed, 14 May 2014 20:10:47 +0000http://rythmtrail.com/?p=1990Warning: call_user_func_array() expects parameter 1 to be a valid callback, first array member is not a valid class name or object in /home/rythmtrh/public_html/rythmtrail/wp-includes/plugin.php on line 213

]]>Imagine it…a pristine white sand beach, waves crashing in the background and you marrying the love of your life. What could be more romantic? In Florida, there are a great number of beaches that you can get married on. In fact down in Sarasota, you can even have your wedding at the gorgeous Ringling Brothers mansion. That is just one option though. As we all know, there are beaches all over Florida for you to choose from.

The wedding is just part of the experience though. What about the reception? What food will you serve, what music will you play, will you have a DJ or a live band?

A very popular option for Florida beach weddings is steel drum music. Now, believe it or not, there are different styles of steel drum music. For starters, you can choose from a variety of band sizes. Choose a solo musician all the way up to a band consisting of 4 or more players. Steel drum bands will also have a variety of music styles. There are styles that you can choose from such as reggae, soca and Caribbean calypso among other styles.

If you do happen to choose one of the amazing steel drum bands for your Florida wedding you can even have a sit down with the band beforehand and choose your own playlist.

One of the great things about this type of band is that the music tends to be family friendly yet appeals to all ages.

One of the best steel drum bands in the South is RythmTrail.They are led by Ephraim Adams who was born in Guyana. Ephraim has been in the business now for the last 26 years and is not simply a player, he is also an arranger. This band performs at Universal Orlando, Beach clubs and resorts around Orlando. They also provide live steel drum music at events such as corporate events, parties and weddings. You can get the band with or without vocalists too.

Just because the band plays in and around Orlando, don’t be discouraged. They will go anywhere in Florida that you need them to. If you are getting married on Pensacola Beach, they will be more than happy to play for your event there. Destin, Daytona, anywhere in Florida where you need them to be, they will come there.

Call them and get a free quote for exactly what you want at your wedding. Entertain your guests, have a truly authentic beach ambiance and get the wedding you have been dreaming of your entire life. Fairy tale weddings are dependent on the details such as the type of music that you choose for your reception. With a steel drum band you will ensure that you, your new spouse and all of your guests will have fun rather than being bored with tired old wedding standards that are played at every wedding.

When it comes down to it, no beach wedding is complete without authentic steel drum music.

]]>http://rythmtrail.com/have-the-florida-wedding-of-your-dreams/feed/0Miami Carnival Caribbean Events in South Floridahttp://rythmtrail.com/miami-carnival/ http://rythmtrail.com/miami-carnival/#commentsWed, 11 Dec 2013 01:35:41 +0000http://rythmtrail.com/?p=1908Warning: call_user_func_array() expects parameter 1 to be a valid callback, first array member is not a valid class name or object in /home/rythmtrh/public_html/rythmtrail/wp-includes/plugin.php on line 213

]]>Without question, the annual Miami Carnival in Broward County is one of the most entertaining Florida based events of the entire year. Full of different ethnicities and cultures from both the Caribbean and West Indies, the Miami Carnival is full of steel drum band music performances along with the beautiful sounds of Soca and Calypso artists. With over 20,000 attendees, the costumes that many participants wear are truly magnificent. Fully dressed in masquerade and burlesque attire, many visitors will definitely be in awe over the jaw dropping sights.

One of the main aspects of the festival is the parade that takes place at the carnival. Making the parade a unique event is the custom made floats that are seen overhead as participants dance in the stadium. Showcasing bright and detailed floats that are symbolic of the different attending cultures, you could stare at each work of art for hours. Adding to the specialness of the entertaining parade is the starting time and ending point of the event. Unlike a normal parade, this one does not have a technical starting or time or designed route. The members of the parade will start marching and dancing through the carnival when the time feels right and they will continue on advancing through the carnival on any given path.

While a lot of people turnout to see the extravagant costumes and beautiful people, others go for the different music concerts. With performances by steel drum band that are famously known for their steel drum music, parade attendees are truly enchanted by the different sounds that illuminate the carnival. Also showcasing soca music and calypso music, participants let lose while practicing various culture specific dances. One of the most popular parts of the entire carnival is the voting for band of the year. In 2012, the final voting saw a close finish between the first and second place band winners. Coming in first place was Generation-X, only 9 points ahead of the runner up, Carnival Nationz-Miami. Below is how the remaining participants finished:

In 2013, the Miami Carnival continued not to disappoint. Tens of thousands of people gathered at the annual festival to see the live steel drum music being performed by some of the top musicians in the business. Coming full circle from its 5th place finish the previous year, this years band of the year winner was Gye Nyame. The other participant result are listed below:

]]>http://rythmtrail.com/miami-carnival/feed/0Caribbean Christmas Musichttp://rythmtrail.com/caribbean-christmas-music/ http://rythmtrail.com/caribbean-christmas-music/#commentsTue, 22 Oct 2013 18:55:54 +0000http://www.rythmtrail.com/?p=1851Warning: call_user_func_array() expects parameter 1 to be a valid callback, first array member is not a valid class name or object in /home/rythmtrh/public_html/rythmtrail/wp-includes/plugin.php on line 213

Even if you’re spending your Christmas in in the snow, you can warm up your holiday parties, gatherings and events with a Caribbean themed party. Decorating your holiday party with plenty of Caribbean decorations like palm trees and seashells is surely going to brighten the mood at your holiday event. And no matter how low the temperature gets outside, it’s going to be warm and toasty inside with every one having a good time in their Bermuda shorts and sandals.

Steel Drum Christmas Music

After you’ve got everything decorated, it’s time to pick out the perfect music. After all, without the right holiday party music, it’s not going to be much of a Caribbean party at all. That’s why steel drum Christmas music is the perfect match for your Caribbean holiday gathering. Whether you’re having a Caribbean Christmas family gathering or you’re hosting a huge Caribbean Christmas cooperate event, one of the best ways to make it come to life is with the soothing sounds of steel drum Christmas music.

Holiday Music on Steel Drums

Besides the fact that steel drum music is from the Caribbean and makes a perfect match for any Caribbean themed Christmas party, steel drums also are a versatile instrument. In the right hands, any holiday music played on steel drums perfectly. And for what it costs, it’s well worth it to hire a professional steel drum band to play your favorite holiday music and songs, and really bring your Caribbean holiday party to the next level.

Christmas Carols on Steel Drums

Throughout the Caribbean, Christmas carolers roam the neighborhoods, playing steel drums and entertaining the people in their homes for various praises and rewards. It’s a tradition that’s as timeless as ever and it’s a one-of-a-kind way for Caribbean people to celebrate this festive time of year. While many different Caribbean countries celebrate the holidays with their own unique traditions, they all share a common trait: Christmas carols on steel drums.

Steel drum Christmas carols are fun to sing along with and can bring that extra touch that will make your holiday party, gathering or event come to life. And with a real live steel drum band taking care of the music, you’re bound to sound good no matter how poorly you sing-along. If you’re looking for the best steel drum players for your Christmas party, look no further than RythmTrail. Whether you’re hosting a small Christmas party for friends and family, or you’re looking to make an impact on your boss when you throw host the office holiday party, hire the native Caribbean steel drum players at RythmTrail and you’ll be sure to enjoy one of the best Christmas parties of your life.

]]>http://rythmtrail.com/caribbean-christmas-music/feed/0Christmas in the Caribbeanhttp://rythmtrail.com/christmas-in-the-caribbean/ http://rythmtrail.com/christmas-in-the-caribbean/#commentsTue, 08 Oct 2013 13:48:45 +0000http://www.rythmtrail.com/?p=1809Warning: call_user_func_array() expects parameter 1 to be a valid callback, first array member is not a valid class name or object in /home/rythmtrh/public_html/rythmtrail/wp-includes/plugin.php on line 213

Forget the snow and cold weather this Christmas—have your Christmas in the Caribbean! Warm weather, sandy beaches and the soothing sounds of steel drum music floating on the breeze are just a boat or plane ride away to the laid back island life of the Caribbean. It’s too bad we can’t all afford to hop on a plane and enjoy a Christmas in the Caribbean. But just because you can’t take that long trip across the ocean to warmer weather doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a Caribbean Christmas. Have your own Caribbean Christmas party by hiring a steel drum band, using this guide to an authentic Caribbean Christmas and by turning up the furnace.

Christmas in Trinidad & Tobago

Ever since the first Christmas was held by Spanish missionaries in 1569, the days and weeks leading up to Christmas day have been a joyous celebration filled with family feasts, steel drum Christmas music and Spanish carols called Parang. The carolers known as Paranderos sing and play instruments as they trek through the neighborhoods and are awarded for their performances with Christmas foods and drinks from the hosts.

Christmas in Jamaica

The Christmas season in Jamaica is from the middle of December to New Year’s Eve day and is filled with Christmas parties, festivals and plenty of good food and drinks. The sweet sounds of Jamaican music fills the air as dancers parade through the streets dressed in traditional Jonkanoo costumes. Jamaicans feast on oxtail, curry goat and gungo peas as well as drink sorrel—a sweet mixture of sorrel, cinnamon, cloves, sugar, ginger and rum.

Christmas in Guyana

To the Guyanese, Christmas is a special time of year when Guyana residents paint the outsides of their home, change the curtains and create new furniture coverings to celebrate the holidays. Delicious smells from the many cooking meat dishes like ham, traditional pepperpot and garlic pork fill the air. Calypso bands play holiday music and members of the holiday masquerade fill the streets with lively performances.

Christmas in Barbados

The island of Barbados is especially alive as Tuk bands roam the streets and play steel drum Christmas music. Delicious treats like traditional sorrel, ginger fudge and rum-spiked marmalade are to be found at the large Christmas bazaar south of the island and on Christmas morning in Queens Park, people dress in their finest Christmas clothes and walk the park during the “forenoon”.

Share your experience of Christmas in your country, tell us what it’s like.

]]>http://rythmtrail.com/christmas-in-the-caribbean/feed/0History of the Steel Drumshttp://rythmtrail.com/history-of-the-steel-drums/ http://rythmtrail.com/history-of-the-steel-drums/#commentsWed, 25 Jan 2012 06:22:17 +0000http://www.rythmtrail.com/?p=1083Warning: call_user_func_array() expects parameter 1 to be a valid callback, first array member is not a valid class name or object in /home/rythmtrh/public_html/rythmtrail/wp-includes/plugin.php on line 213

Ancient history says that when man started his quest for music, percussion instruments were the first to have been created. It is a basic human instinct to beat against solid objects in search of sounds, if possible rhythmic sounds, which provide some food for the soul. So when you next listen to the heart thumping and face melting drum beats of an international rock band, do remember that its origin lie in some innocent effort centuries ago.

Steel drums or steel pans as they called and the subsequent steel drum bands, have a similar history. There was some form of ‘drumming’ within African tribes since some centuries, which were part of rituals or merry making. However it has its origins and evolution in the Caribbean island of Trinidad. The industrial revolution had European nations taking a large number of slaves from Africa to these Caribbean islands, to work in their coffee plantations. It formally took shape during the turbulent times of World War II. The frustration of slavery, the constant oppression and struggle again the colonial rulers and the melancholy of being away from their land and culture gave rise to the invention of the steel pan, the only probable link of the slaves to their roots.

The steel drum helped minimize the aggravation of slavery and was also potent means of communication within the islands. It started with the humble instruments called the “Tamboo-Bamboos” that required bamboo sticks to be beaten onto the ground to produce sound or hit against a gin bottle with a spoon. Slowly this gave way to more sophisticated instruments that involved some rejected metal piece from an automobile. Tamboo-Bamboo bands had taken shape by the 1930s; proper steel drum bands had sprung into picture by the mid thirties and by the 1940s one could not miss in them in carnivals for the lower strata of the society.

Since these were also used as a communication device, the colonial rulers of the slaves had their reservations against the usage of these, for the fear of revolt or passing of secret information through beat patterns. Strict laws and in certain cases even bans were imposed against the steel drum bands and the beat of the steel pan. These measures actually accelerated the evolution of the steel pan, since a ban one instrument gave way to the invention of another.

Gradually some amount of “rhythmic science” also got infused within the creation of the further variations of the steel pan. Musicians found out that the steel drum changed pitch after they are beaten for some time. These drum were a bit rudimentary instruments, convex in shape, but the changes in pitch were dynamic and not intentional.

Later Anthony Williams came up with a structured arrangement of notes that became the standard for steel pan notes. After couple of failed researches and initiatives, “PANArt” in Sweden researched and successfully productized steel drums using the fine-grain sheet technology. Today electronic steel drums have also been developed and steel drum bands have come a long way. They however owe the first steps to the persistent African aborigines that were there in Trinidad more than half a century ago.

]]>http://rythmtrail.com/history-of-the-steel-drums/feed/28Let the beauty of Caribbean Steel Drums create magic in your partyhttp://rythmtrail.com/let-the-beauty-of-caribbean-steel-drums-create-magic-in-your-party/ http://rythmtrail.com/let-the-beauty-of-caribbean-steel-drums-create-magic-in-your-party/#commentsSun, 05 Dec 2010 17:25:50 +0000http://rythmtrail.com/?p=403Warning: call_user_func_array() expects parameter 1 to be a valid callback, first array member is not a valid class name or object in /home/rythmtrh/public_html/rythmtrail/wp-includes/plugin.php on line 213

Instrumental has been a successful complimentary to vocal music since years, and the world of music has always been graced by the beats of drums. Caribbean Steel Drums has always seen an integral part of instrumental music, and has successfully created a fan following and a separate genre for itself. Steel drums were invented in Trinidad during the Second World War, and since then have slowly moved to all parts of the world. Caribbean steel drums produce the kind of music that was always intended to bridge the gap between the poor and the riches, the upper class and the lower classes. Earlier they were devised from bamboos. Today is constructed from a 55 gallon barrel.

Caribbean steel drum bands are today very popular musical instruments for special occasions like wedding, parties, and other fun settings. This popularity however comes from the opportunity that a steel band got to perform at the common wealth ceremonies, and since then have become popular in different countries. Many people have the wrong notion about steel drums that they can play only a specific genre of music. But this is not at all true. Caribbean Steel Drums can churn out nearly all kinds of popular tunes ranging from hip hop to jazz to western classical. They have a very high tempo, and produces repetitive beats- the perfect combination of parties and other events.

But over the years it has been seen that steel drums are at their best and are most popular during the cocktail hours of weddings. And what can add up to the fun is if the wedding takes place in a beach setting. Steel drum bands like RythmTrail Steel Drum Band are hugely popular during these kinds of events, and can create a memorable mood for all the guests. The best way to contact the bands like RythmTrail Steel Drum Band is by emailing them and then waiting to see whether they emails back. This will give you a hint about how responsible and active they are. There are also several websites or forums that discuss wedding and party planning on the internet that are free to join. A great idea would be to ask about good Caribbean steel drums bands to the other users who have hired one someday. If they like a particular band, chances are, you will like them too. If you are really serious about the quality, ask the band to give you the address of the destination where they are about to perform. Then visit the place for a few minutes, and get an overall ‘feel’ about the singer, the band as a whole, and see how the audiences are reacting to them. If you see a lot of enthusiasm among the crowd, you have found the correct band for your party event.

The last factor that you should consider is of course, the price. Bands like RythmTrail Steel Drum Band is quite affordable given the quality of music they play, so don’t be tempted to hire a bunch of amateurs for saving some money. A great bandwill not only create the right atmosphere for the guests in the evening, but will also give them an evening to remember throughout their lives.